Obesity is now a problem that is causing more pain than pleasure in today 's society. In the 19th century obesity was considered a symbol of wealth and power, but as the years went on scientists discovered that obesity can lead to the demise of the human body. We as a country should do better at finding ways to prevent this horrible epidemic from spreading any further. In America alone, more than 190 billion dollars in medical costs have been spent taking care of the problems of the obesity epidemic that could have been prevented. These problems that have not only been effecting and hurting adults, but children as well in physical, emotional and mental ways. Though the rates of overweight Americans gradually continue to climb maintaining
…show more content…
With the growing obesity population, medical costs have been on the rise to bring about peace to the ones suffering from the problems this epidemic creates. Some of these problems include Stroke, High Blood Pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, etc. Those at a higher risk are the ones that have severe obesity, a BMI over 35. Michael Long, an assistant professor at a the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. says, “Although severe obesity accounts for only 41 percent of the 81.5 million Americans who are obese, the costs associated with treating it are acually 60 percent of all obesity-related costs combined.” Research states that Severely obese people pay 1,980 dollars and moderately obese people pay 941 dollars more per year than the normal weighted person. Not only is severe obesity medically draining but it 's also personally, economically draining. In 1998 about 6 percent of medical costs were obesity related, but in 2006 it was about 10 percent, nearly $86 billion a year. If left obesity is unchanged it is estimated that by 2030 medical costs will rise to around $48 to $66 billion a year in the …show more content…
The disturbance that image causes on our generation is catastrophically huge. It is said from around 6 years old, a child can link negative stereotypes with their obese state and feel worth less than someone of standard weight. As the years go on, that child can more likely be subject to bullying, teasing and judgment from peers, etc. Children can become emotionally unstable if subjected to these environments. Childhood obesity has not only mental effects but physical ones as well. As the child grows up, problems like heart cancer, diabetes, liver disease, etc are all possible effects of obesity. Childhood obesity is now the number one health concern among parents in the United States topped drug abuse and smoking. “Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have shorter life expectancy than their parents.” - (Surgeon General Richard Carmona) Treating and fixing the bad habits of childhood obesity from when children are little is the easiest way to save your child from any problems in the
With the growing obesity population, medical costs have been on the rise to bring about peace to the ones suffering from the problems this epidemic creates. Some of these problems include Stroke, High Blood Pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, etc. Those at a higher risk are the ones that have severe obesity, a BMI over 35. Michael Long, an assistant professor at a the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. says, “Although severe obesity accounts for only 41 percent of the 81.5 million Americans who are obese, the costs associated with treating it are acually 60 percent of all obesity-related costs combined.” Research states that Severely obese people pay 1,980 dollars and moderately obese people pay 941 dollars more per year than the normal weighted person. Not only is severe obesity medically draining but it 's also personally, economically draining. In 1998 about 6 percent of medical costs were obesity related, but in 2006 it was about 10 percent, nearly $86 billion a year. If left obesity is unchanged it is estimated that by 2030 medical costs will rise to around $48 to $66 billion a year in the …show more content…
The disturbance that image causes on our generation is catastrophically huge. It is said from around 6 years old, a child can link negative stereotypes with their obese state and feel worth less than someone of standard weight. As the years go on, that child can more likely be subject to bullying, teasing and judgment from peers, etc. Children can become emotionally unstable if subjected to these environments. Childhood obesity has not only mental effects but physical ones as well. As the child grows up, problems like heart cancer, diabetes, liver disease, etc are all possible effects of obesity. Childhood obesity is now the number one health concern among parents in the United States topped drug abuse and smoking. “Because of the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have shorter life expectancy than their parents.” - (Surgeon General Richard Carmona) Treating and fixing the bad habits of childhood obesity from when children are little is the easiest way to save your child from any problems in the